Shoshone Lake Trail Restoration
A favorite way for visitors to enjoy Yellowstone's beauty is by utilizing its 1,000+ miles of trails. The Shoshone Lake Trail is a designated section of the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) which crosses the park from east to west. The CDT provides access to a continuous route along the Rocky Mountains from Canada to Mexico. The Shoshone Lake Trail is also an important thoroughfare to the Bechler region, Shoshone Lake, and popular fishing areas. However, five miles south of the trailhead, the trail traverses fragile wetland meadows and sensitive geothermal areas along the Firehole River. Wetland seeps and a lack of drainage caused the formation of quagmires that force users to seek adjacent alternative routes. This, in turn, has caused multiple ruts, soil compaction, and vegetative loss in the sensitive wetland meadows. The trail requires major reconstruction and the installation of fill material. Funding for this project is enabling YNP staff and their partner groups to collaborate on a reconstruction and resource restoration project to improve trail safety, protect Yellowstone's unique ecosystem, and provide visitors with a more enjoyable environment.Total Project Cost: $59,912